Presidential visit, Bucks game cause road closures, traffic delays
Updated: 9:29 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2020
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Areas around the Fiserv Forum and the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena experienced some backups Tuesday night, including parts of West Highland and Old World 3rd Street.
People made the trek from all over to experience the president's visit, with many arriving four to five hours before the rally began at 7 p.m.
"We just wanted to check out all the goings on in Milwaukee," said Trump rally goer, Scott Poth. "I mean this is a big deal, the president's here and the Bucks."
Road closures caused a challenge for some people trying to find parking -- some had to park as far as 12 blocks away.
"We've been pretty pleased with the night itself, but I expect once it all lets out it's gonna be a crazy downtown feel with people just out having a good time," said Michael Vitucci, owner of Uncle Buck's bar.
Police presence will continue throughout the night to monitor traffic and pedestrians in the area, so everyone can get home safely.
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Posted: 4:59 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2020
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Traffic congestion began early Tuesday near Old World 3rd Street and Highland, ahead of the presidential visit to the UWM Panther Arena.
Street closures started at noon, and police began rerouting cars. The closures are expected to last until 10 p.m.
North 6th Street is closed for quite a few blocks, and West State Street and West Kilbourn Avenue are also closed starting at Old World 3rd.
Police are expecting thousands of people in the area for events at Fiserv Forum and the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena -- both events begin at 7 p.m.
Police advise people to get dropped off or use rideshare instead of driving. Drop offs and pickups are allowed at North Vel R. Phillips and West Highland -- cars must come from the east at Old World 3rd Street and West Highland.
MCTS says some bus routes may experience delays and temporary detours on Tuesday, Jan. 14 until about 11 p.m., due to street closures related to President Trump's visit.
MCTS expects that there will be impacts to Route 80 on 6th Street as well as Freeway Flyer Routes 44, 49, 79 and 143 during evening trips.
They say there may also be rolling closures across the freeway system and near the airport. Delays are possible in other areas due to freeway traffic being diverted onto side streets.
Route 80:
Buses will detour off of 6th Street between Wisconsin and Highland. Stops on 6th Street between Wisconsin and Highland will be unavailable during this time. Please use regular stops outside this affected area.
If you’re catching a northbound Route 80 bus, MCTS suggests boarding at Wisconsin & Lovell (stop #8), 6th & Michigan (stop #7222), or 6th & Vliet (stop #7225).
If you’re catching a southbound Route 80 bus, board at 6th & Highland (stop #623) or 6th & Wisconsin (stop #1008).
Freeway Flyer Routes 44, 49, 79:
Bus stop #2402 (Kilbourn & 6th) and stop #626 (Kilbourn & Vel Phillips) will be unavailable during the presidential visit. MCTS suggests boarding at 3rd & State (stop #1009) or Kilbourn & Water (stop #2905).
Freeway Flyer Route 143:
Bus stop #4819 (6th & Wells) and stop #744 (6th & Highland) will also be unavailable. Please use stop #408 (6th & Wisconsin).
MCTS says anyone who wants to avoid parking downtown on Tuesday can ride MCTS Routes 15, 19, 33, 57, 80 and the GreenLine – which all stop within walking distance of the arena district – just be aware that there may be delays and temporary detours.